Description
Polish kielbasa and sauerkraut delight blends hearty flavors from traditional Eastern European cuisine. Savory sausage and tangy fermented cabbage create a comforting meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 32 fl oz/946 ml (1 quart) chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 1 pound/454 g kielbasa, sliced into rounds
- 1 can 14.5 oz/411 g sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp caraway seeds (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preparation: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, creating an ideal cooking environment for the kielbasa sausage.
- Sausage Searing: Slice kielbasa into half-moon shapes and brown until edges crisp and caramelize, about 4-5 minutes. Remove browned sausage and set aside.
- Flavor Foundation: In the same pot, sauté diced onions until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook briefly to release aromatic oils. Introduce chicken broth, potatoes, carrots, sauerkraut, dried thyme, and caraway seeds.
- Simmering Stage: Stir ingredients thoroughly to blend seasonings and vegetables. Bring to a vigorous boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for 20-25 minutes, allowing potatoes to soften and vegetables to absorb broth’s rich flavors.
- Final Integration: Return kielbasa slices to the pot, letting them meld with other ingredients for an additional 5-7 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serving: Ladle the hearty mixture into warm bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- Kielbasa Browning Tip: Sear sausage until edges turn golden to develop deep, caramelized flavor that enhances overall dish richness.
- Vegetable Cooking Sequence: Sauté onions before garlic to prevent burning and release subtle sweetness that builds complex flavor layers.
- Simmer Secret: Cover pot during cooking to trap steam, ensuring vegetables become tender and ingredients meld seamlessly.
- Seasoning Strategy: Taste and adjust salt gradually, allowing broth’s natural flavors to guide your final seasoning balance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Polish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg